Organized trip to Yunnan: 13 amazing days in deep China
Discover Yunnan, one of the most surprising provinces of China, with this 13-day organized trip to Yunnan. A journey designed for those who dream of delving into deep China, exploring dreamlike landscapes, and connecting with ancient cultures.
During 13 days, we will explore the most iconic corners of this exotic province, from the rice terraces of Yuanyang to the legendary Shangri-La, passing through the historic villages of Lijiang and Dali.
We have open groups for July and August! If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most fascinating destinations in China, don’t miss this opportunity.
Below is the 13-day route through Yunnan step by step. With a Spanish-speaking guide and a private driver, traveling through China will be comfortable and worry-free. Any time of the year! Let’s get started!
Organized trip to Yunnan – Itinerary through Yunnan:
Below is the step-by-step itinerary for the 13-day trip through Yunnan. In total, it would be 12 nights and 13 days traveling through the Chinese province of Yunnan.
To visit Yunnan, we recommend flying into Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or Hong Kong. Of course, we can also include and organize your trip to these cities, so you can stay for one or two days and take the opportunity to visit them.
| Day 1 | Arrival at Kunming – Shilin Limestone Forest | Night at Shilin |
| Day 2 & 3 | Yuanyang Rice Terraces and its unique villages | Two nights at Yuanyang |
| Day 4 | Jianshui and its famous Double Dragon Bridge | Night in Jianshui |
| Day 5 | Wieshan Ancient Town | Night in Weishan |
| Day 6 & 7 | Dali Old Town and Erhai Lake | Night in Dali |
| Day 8 | Shibaoshan Mountain and Shaxi | Night in Shaxi |
| Day 9 & 10 | Tibetan Shangrila and its surroundings | Two nights in Shangrila |
| Day 11 & 12 | Tiger Leaping Gorge and Lijiang Old Town | Two nights in Lijiang |
| Day 13 | Transfer to Lijiang airport/return to the airport of entry | – |
Services included and not included in the trip to Yunnan
Good news! Currently, no visa is required for stays of up to 30 days in China. Spanish passport holders are exempt from a visa for stays related to tourism, business, family visits, transit, or cultural and academic exchanges.
Here is a table with the services included and not included in the Yunnan route:
| Included Services | Not Included Services |
| 12 days of hotel with breakfast included. | Flight ticket. We can advise on dates, combinations, and flights, but it’s recommended that the flight payment is made individually. |
| Private Spanish-speaking guide for the entire trip. | Meals and dinners: Not included to give more flexibility for travelers to choose what they prefer daily. |
| Experienced local tour guides. | Travel insurance, as it is better to arrange it individually. (Recommendation: Mondo insurance: 5% discount on your Mondo travel insurance) |
| Private vehicle with driver available throughout the trip, including tolls, gasoline, and all transfers from Yunnan airport. | |
| Entrance tickets to temples and parks. | |
| High-speed train tickets. |
Price of the 13 day Organized trip to Yunnan
The price of the trip varies depending on the number of people joining. Important: the more people that travel, the lower the price per person!
| Number of People | Price per Person |
| 2-3 People | From 2350 euros + Flight ticket |
| 4-6 People | From 2150 euros + Flight ticket |
| 7-8 People | From 1950 euros + Flight ticket |
| 9-10 People | From 1800 euros + Flight ticket |
Travel as a couple, with friends or in a group
We organize trips all year round. Here are some options:
- Option 1: Travel in a private group with friends or as a couple.
- Option 2: Join an open group (available in July and August).
- Attention! We have started opening groups for July and August. If you want to join one and get the exact dates, contact us!
Why Choose Yunnan for Your Trip to China?
Yunnan is a unique province that offers an exceptional experience for travelers interested in authentic China. Here are the main reasons to choose Yunnan as your destination:
- Discover Ethnic Minorities: Yunnan is home to diverse communities with unique traditions and ways of life. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about their cultures and how they have preserved their roots over time.
- Mountain Villages: Many villages have remained unchanged for centuries, offering a glimpse into traditional China, away from the hustle and bustle of cities.
- Ancient Architecture: In Yunnan, you’ll find villages that have preserved traditional Chinese architecture, providing a fascinating look into the history and culture of the region.
- Rice Terraces: The Yuanyang terraces are an awe-inspiring place, where you can walk among them and enjoy the tranquility while observing how local communities cultivate the land.
- Unique Landscapes: From the Stone Forest to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in China.
- Temples and Natural Parks: Yunnan is filled with historic temples and natural parks, offering a cultural and nature experience at its purest.
- Diverse Cuisine: Each village has its own traditional food, providing a culinary experience that varies from region to region.
- Chinese Culture: Through its monuments, temples, and traditions, Yunnan offers a deep immersion into China’s rich history and culture.
- Unforgettable Moments: This trip will offer you unique experiences and memories that will stay with you forever.
13-day route to Yunnan: Frequently asked questions
- Who organizes the trip to Yunnan? We work with an agency in China that handles legal procedures, insurance, hotel reservations, transportation, and drivers. My role is to plan the route, coordinate the details, be your guide, and ensure everything goes according to plan.
- What happens if I can’t be your guide? If I am unable to accompany you due to prior commitments, you will be provided with another Spanish-speaking guide, who is a resident of Yunnan and has experience.
- How much does the flight ticket cost? A round-trip flight from Madrid or Barcelona to Kunming usually costs between 800 and 1200 euros.
- What type of hotels are used? Most accommodations are 4-star hotels, combining modern and traditional styles, located in the city centers.
- What is the best time to visit Yunnan? The best time to see the rice terraces filled with water is between December and February. Yunnan has a pleasant climate year-round, but if you visit in summer, you may encounter some rain.
- Are there many foreign tourists in Yunnan? Although Yunnan is less known to international tourists, it has become popular within China, so during peak season, you might encounter crowds at some tourist spots.
- Can I personalize my trip? If this itinerary doesn’t suit your interests, we can design a personalized route or include other destinations based on your preferences.
Trip to China: Contact me for more information
As the Lonely Planet says in his book “Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & the Greater Mekong“: “If you want to go to China, but only have time to see one province, that should definitely be Yunnan. I recommend you to check out the blog for more information on each place that will be visited. Also, you can check:
- The best places to visit if you are coming to Yunnan.
- Curiosities of living in China.
- My experience as an English teacher in Kunming.
- Last but not least, the Best tips for a trip to China.
If you decide to take a trip to China and visit Yunnan, you can get in touch with me (contacto@sindestinoaparente.com) for any questions you may have about our organized trip to Yunnan.
Remember, for the time being, until December 31, 2025, no visa will be required for 30-day stays in China. In the more distant future, who knows, so take advantage of it!
We don’t travel to escape life, we travel so that life doesn’t escape us.
